Dephlegmator



w. M. l@Rass DEPHLEGMATOR Filed Nov: 14, 1925 Panarea Nov. 5,1929

Uhllll@ STTE y rasant earner cette WALTER .'Llf.` CROSS, 0F .KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR TO CLAYTON OIL AND RE- FINING COMPANY, OF DALLAS, TEXAS, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE DEPHLEGMATOR application ned November 1a, 192s. serial No. crime.

This invention relates to improvements in dephlegmators, and refers more vparticularly to a construction for dephlegmating yapors and has application to dephlegmation or relluxing of hydrocarbon oil vapors which have undergone pressure distillation or cracking Among the important objects of the invention are to provide a construction in which the oil vapors are directed through a column by a circuitous spiral travel, during which they are at all times in contact with a metallic radiating surface whereby a Vmaximum amount ofl refluxing may be effected with a minimum size dephlegmator; to provide a construction in which the separated material, such as reflnxed. condensate and relatively heavier `hydrocarloons, may be collected isolated from the vapors.

rThe single ligure is a sectional view of the apparatus, showing the interior construction.

lt is understood that this mechanism may be interposed either in a system in which pres sure is used or one which is operated under substantially atmospheric conditions. lt is .only that part of the apparatus coveredas this invention that is shown in the drawings. The rest of the system is eliminated for simplicity, as a complete showing vwould involve unnecessary details well known in the art.

T he construction shown involves a shell l, which is preferably cylindrical in form, -and has communicating therewith a vapor line which is connected to the tower or column by the inlet connection 2. The vapors, introduced through the inlet 2, pass into the bottom po'rtion 3 where they rise and are directed in a spiral passage, due to the continuous bafe plate 4 which causes them to pass in a circuitous spiral travel, to a space in the top of the column designated as 5. Centrally of the column is positioned a container 6 open at its ltop upon the periphery of which thel spiral baffle is mounted. The baille is spaced slightly from the louter shell to facilitate removal in cleaning. The condenser 6 is supported' in the column by means of I beam supports 7, while the spiral baille is attached thereto by means ofha spiral angle member 8. The vapors, rising into the upper part of the column 5, pass olf through the outlet 9 into a vapor pipe diagrammatically shown at 10.

During the travel of the vapors about the circumference of the container 6, there are separated'out certain ofthe heavier fractions, due to the contact of vapors with the outside surface of the shell l, which is relatively cooler than the vapors, 'and'causes the heavier ,fractions to be condensed therefrom. rlhese fractions, in the form of condensate, ind their way into the bottom of the shell inthe space shown at 3 and may be drawn ofi as desired through the outlet pipe 1l. ln alike manner, the condensate separated out from the vapors in the upper portion of the column, will fall back as liquid condensate into the interior or condenser 6 and may be recovered to be recycled or otherwise treated by being withdrawn through thepipe 12. The method of recirculating or retreating these condens'ates forms no part of the present invention as ythe novelty lies particularly in the use of a tower in which the vapors are passed'therethrough in a manner whereby they are given a mixi- .inum reflux action inA a minimumamount of space. More speciically,thevapors are passed 7in a spiral travel about an inner cylindrical container, being at all times in contact with the metallic outside radiating wall of the shell, and` due to the spiral. bailiing members at all timeslin a turbulent condition which promotes a maximum dephlegmation 'or refluxing due to the fact that a greater por* tion of the vapors are brought in contact with i a cooler surface. |lhe utilization of a spiral passage gives the eect' of a considerably higher tower as the vapors are circulated in the spiral passage vwhereby they gradually work their way from the bottomto the top which the spiral bathe is attached. This inner core, or condenser, serves also to increase the speed of the vapors by causing them to pass.

i `through the constricted passage v13 between the successive spiral tiers of the battle. In addition to the advantages named, the construction is simple and cheap of construction in addition to its being eiicient in operatlon. it 1s also easily cleaned and admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is used, that is, the f.

separat-ion of the heavier romthe lighter fractions in the treatment of petroleum hydrocarbons.

I claim as my invention:

1. A dephlegniator of the character described, having inlet and outlet ports, an open top container of less diameter than the dephlegmator shell positioned therein, separate condensate draw oft pipes from the inner container and outer shell, a continuous spiral baille plate allixed to theperiphery of the in-y ner container, -the said baltle being spaced from the outer shell and out of Contact therewith.

2. A dephlegmator of the character den scribed having' inlet and outlet ports, an open top container of less ldiameterv than the dephlegmator shell positioned therein, separate condensate drawoft1 pipes from the inner container and outer dephlegmator shell, and a spiral battle in the'annular-space between the inner container angl the outer shell,

said battle attached to the inner container andv l removable therewith, and forming an annular helicoidal space for the passing of the rising vapors, said baffle being spaced from the outer shell and out ot' contact therewith.

' li/VALTER M. CROSS. 

